In light of global conversations around gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are urgent priorities for education institutes. How might team-based Learning (TBL) add to this critical dialogue? At InteDashboard, we utilized the Team-Based Learning format to organize a DEI workshop for educators across the world. The workshop was facilitated by Dr. Jody K. Takemoto, DEI advocate and TBLC Trainer-Consultant and Diya Kundu, Sales Operations Executive at InteDashboard. The session offered participants the tools to identify challenges to diversity, and strategies to promote greater inclusion in educational settings.
The collaborative, discussion-driven nature of TBL was vital to the success of the workshop. As opposed to a traditional lecture – where passively learning dominates – the TBL workshop enabled engaging discussions among small and large groups. Varied perspectives were brought to the discussion; these which were critical to a session on DEI, where participant engagement directly influences the positive impact of impact of the workshop.
The workshop conducted in the TBL format armed participants with a pre-workshop assignment. Participants reviewed the readings and audio materials to familiarize themselves with foundational DEI concepts. The session began with an individual and team quiz where participants sharpened their understanding of concepts and categories related to gender, race, sexuality, bias, and allyship. This was followed by application exercises, where participants applied foundational concepts to real-world cases and devised strategies to counter microaggressions, utilize inclusive language, and practice effective allyship.
The potential of TBL to drive impactful DEI programming was reflected in the success of our workshop. All attendees strongly agreed that the facilitators provided a safe space to discuss difficult topics that deepened their understanding of DEI. They felt more confident about selecting strategies to promote DEI in educational settings. Participants remarked that the workshop enabled an engaging dialogue where participants looked at questions from multiple perspectives, connecting DEI “concepts and strategies to larger cultural movements towards equity”.
We are excited to amplify the impact of DEI programming initiatives using Team-Based Learning structure to drive the conversation. Interested in tapping into the power of TBL to promote DEI? Talk to us; we’d love to share ideas!